SAN MATEO COUNTY – Trails in 13 of San Mateo County’s 23 parks are set to reopen May 4, roughly a month after they were closed because of increased foot traffic and the failure of visitors to follow social distancing rules amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In a news release Tuesday, the San Mateo County Parks Department said park visitors will be required to hike single file on narrow trails, keep six feet apart from others, not congregate with people who aren’t from their household and carry face coverings.

“We are eager to welcome visitors back to San Mateo County parks and for them to experience the physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors and on the trails,” said Parks Director Nicholas Calderon.

“During this time, it’s critical that park users follow the new rules developed to prevent overcrowding, discourage gatherings and that support social distancing,” he continued. “Let’s work together to ensure that parks are safe environments for everyone.”

To prevent the congestion on trails and in parking areas that occurred last month, the parks department said it will convert some single-track trails to one-direction routes, open a limited number of parking lots, prohibit road parking, and keep some trails closed to bicycles.

The following parks are set to reopen: Edgewood, Huddart, Wunderlich, San Pedro Valley, Quarry, Pillar Point Bluff, San Bruno Mountain, Junipero Serra and Pescadero Creek.

In addition, the Ralston Bike Trail, which crosses over Interstate 280 and connects bicyclists with Canada Road, will welcome visitors again, as will the section of the Bay Trail that runs through the Coyote Point Recreation Area, though the park itself will remain closed.

The Crystal Springs Regional Trail will also reopen, but only to foot traffic for now. Parks department employees will be stationed along the popular 15-mile trail to prevent bicycle entry and to remind visitors to maintain social distancing, according to the department.

The parks department said it will work toward opening additional parks in phases and based on factors that include visitor compliance with rules, the department’s ability to secure adequate cleaning and protective supplies for employees, and orders issued by the county’s heath officer.

All 23 of the county’s parks were closed on March 27 after parks department employees observed visitors ignoring a statewide shelter-in-place order by driving to parks, congregating in groups and failing to maintain six feet of distance from each other.

Jason Green is a breaking news reporter for the Bay Area News Group. He works week nights and spends most of his time covering crime and public safety. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara and the University of Southern California, he cut his teeth at the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin and the Palo Alto Daily News, and has been with the Bay Area News Group since its inception.

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